The Five C’s of Reliable Wireless Internet: Congestion (part 4 of 6)
November 3, 2012
This is the fourth part of a six-part series on WiFi at events. Our next “C” of good wireless network design is congestion. Because radio frequency waves are not visible and they don’t take up physical space, it seems logical that there would be no limit to the number of signals that can effectively fly around at the same time.
Unfortunately, this is not the case. WiFi has a distinct number of channels, very similar to the different channels on the radio you listen to in your car. If you have ever brought a MiFi device into a crowded trade show, chances are you had one heck of a time trying to connect to it (and stay connected). This is because there are only three non-overlapping channels on which a MiFi can transmit.
So imagine that your MiFi device is like a radio station transmitting a song and your computer is a boombox listening to the song. You will be able to pick up the song crystal clear if you are located close to the radio station’s antenna and there are no other radio stations nearby broadcasting on the same frequency.
But now assume you are transmitting at a trade show, where there are DOZENS of other people transmitting on the SAME station (from here on, we’ll call it a channel). Your computer will be listening for your song but all it will hear is garbled static. This is what happens with your MiFi device on the trade show floor. But fear not, there is a solution.
Without going into too much detail, older access points (including all MiFi devices on the market right now) have radios with the ability to transmit on three non-overlapping channels on the 2.4 GHz spectrum. However, newer access points can transmit on the 5 GHz spectrum with 21 non-overlapping channels If your access point has multiple radios, it’s possible that each radio can be configured to broadcast on a different channel (either on 2.4 or 5 GHz).
The important take away here is that simply putting more access points with more radios into a small space is not an effective method of providing a better network. Rather, it will likely lead to more problems due to channel congestion.
Nevertheless, this strategy of haphazardly increasing the number of access points is often times what venues do when they need to increase the capacity of their network. Rather than redesigning the network as a whole to ensure the most effective use of 24 different channels, they simply add more access points, introducing interference into their own network.
In the absence of an entire investigation into the channel setup, a good question to ask your venue is whether their access points broadcast solely on the older 2.4 GHz spectrum or both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz spectrums (giving you up to 24 distinct channels). Doing so will ensure that even if people bring their own WiFi emitting devices, you won’t all be competing for the same three channels.
Now that we’ve addressed coverage, capacity, and congestion, in the next installment we’ll address the fourth “C”, connectivity.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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